KFC SuperCoach NRL Cheapie Bible: Don’t miss the chance to own this gun
Trent Copeland is crowing with delight over his success at picking the right KFC SuperCoach NRL cheapie last week – and has a forecast of the future.
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Coupling two of my favourite things here … Sing it with me!
“Schuuuuuster, Schuuuuuster mannnn. I want to be a Schuuuuuuster man!”
Yes, that’s Rooster man, with the undoubted cheapie of the week as predicted, Josh Schuster who was exceptional for the Sea Eagles starting on an edge. What a star he is!
Christmas has come all at once for KFC SuperCoaches with Schuster, and Cheapie Bible favourite Sam Walker headlining preparations for round four. Exciting times!
I digress. By definition a ‘Cheapie’ will be referenced when under $300,000 and actually relevant for KFC SuperCoach purposes. Key word being relevant. Once players eclipse the $300k mark they will be given a final verdict in the ‘Bon Voyage’ section.
Buckle up, here we go!
Josh Schuster 5/8 (Sea Eagles) $203,100 – 90 points
I pre-emptively called Schuster the Cheapie of the Week for round four in last week’s cheapie bible, saying he was a lock for 60+ points and the big man did NOT disappoint. There’s a few saying ‘but what about Sironen’s return?’ (Knee, approx. 4 weeks). You know what? If Des Hasler and the Sea Eagles EVER pick a starting 13 that does not include Josh Schuster either in the halves alongside DCE or permanently on the edge they should be locked up. This kid is not only the future, but their best talent here and now also, that’s how good he is. Going to make a stack of cash and playable in your starting 17 every week in my opinion.
VERDICT: BUY. I’ve called him a cheapie of the year candidate, all he needed was the playing time. Will average 55PPG in his sleep if playing 80 minutes on an edge.
Sam Walker HFB (Roosters) $173,700 – 0 points
Yet to play an NRL game, but EVERYONE knows about this young prodigy for the Roosters – already owned by 31% of teams. The horrific season-ending ACL injury to Luke Keary *crying face* means Walker now has the reigns all to himself, and in fantastic news for his freedom and expression of attacking instincts, Drew Hutchison has been named at five eighth – and will be no doubt tasked with the more traditional ‘organiser’ role given his experience. Walker could be absolutely anything in this Roosters team, think Jackson Hastings as a rookie, Kyle Flanagan etc. Fingers crossed for good health and we will be looking at a cheapie that is playable most weeks and making a stack of cash.
VERDICT: BUY/WATCHLIST.
Daine Laurie CTW | FLB (Wests Tigers) $299,300 – 62 points
Ahh, the saviour to the ‘cheap CTW’ shambles that most teams are in. Laurie is a legit superstar in the making, Tigers fans have so many frustrations and understandably so, but getting Laurie – along with Stefano Utoikamanu, more on that later – locked in on long term deals. Another 62 points has Laurie averaging 60.7PPG without a single try having played the Raiders, Roosters and Knights. Watch out when he gets bottom four opposition! The initial cash injection of $76,000 is just the beginning.
VERDICT: BUY. GUN. Could even be a keeper in the CTW.
Connor Watson HOK | 5/8 (Knights) $374,200 – 104 points
Deserves to stay in focus, albeit well over $300k. You’ve been hearing me rave about Connor Watson’s upside, and worst case scenario even in a bench role of 50 points in 45 minutes. Well, here is the beauty of the man! 104 points in 55 minutes, yes off the bench, with just the one try assist and try contribution. Insane scoring! 34 tackles, 16 points in tackle busts, 22 points in runs and a line break. Niiiiice Garry. Having the 104 in his rolling average for three weeks on top of a -34 BE heading into juicy matchups against the Dragons, Titans and Sharks in that time could mean Watson eclipses $600k. Ah, what a dream.
VERDICT: BUY/HOLD. Still a legit purchase at the price.
Tesi Niu FLB | CTW (Broncos) $295,200 – 39 points
Tesi found an astonishing amount of ways to avoid the pill in attacking areas against the Bulldogs, but still had a solid score of around the 40 mark as our ‘worst case’. Matchups against the Storm, Rabbitohs and Panthers the next three weeks are less than ideal but he is undoubtedly ahead of the likes of Roberts, Saab and Fusitua. Juicy BE of -28 this week, so there should be another nice price rise, but then the 92-point effort from round two against the Titans leaves the rolling average – so the price may drop away quickly.
VERDICT: BUY/HOLD. Pray for a good score this round to kick on well past $400k.
Ryan James FRF | 2RF (Raiders) $277,000 – 5 points
UGH. Why can’t we have nice things?! Of all the weeks to have a HIA, and one in the first five minutes of his game time – the week prices were due to change was NOT it. First and foremost we hope he’s ok obviously, but the 5 points not only stifles the previously locked-in $150k in price rises that were on their way but in fact means he will likely drop cash in a week’s time – that’s if he even makes it back this week. A real shame, but someone I’m definitely holding onto for dual position flexibility at the very least.
VERDICT: HOLD. No point jumping off in my opinion, wait until his scores start kicking back up again and sell for a bye coverage option come round 13.
David Mead CTW | FLB (Broncos) $289,800 – 64 points
A nice score from Mead, as we thought would eventuate against the lowly Bulldogs, with the 64 points locking in a $60,000 price rise – but now comes the test for the some 21,785 of you that jumped on board. A torrid horizon of matchups against some of the best teams in the comp over the next three weeks means he’s up against it to make big cash. The exciting thing for owners is the work rate is back up! 33 points in runs, 8 points in tackle busts, two effective offloads and a line break assist comprised the 64 points, so hopefully the tough matchups don’t mean scores in the 20s worst case.
VERDICT: HOLD.
Charlie Staines CTW | FLB (Panthers) $282,900 – 56 points
Staines actually LOST money ($15,000) this week on the back of his opening rounds being so poor, but, 56 points including a try against the Storm was exactly what the doctor ordered. I’m standing by my viewpoint that of all the cheapies in the CTW not named Daine Laurie, Staines possesses the most upside in terms of points and money making. A dream matchup this Thursday night against the Sea Eagles’ leaky defence along with Nathan Cleary’s return to action after concussion is a recipe for a monster score. A big score here and we’re looking at a -50 BE next week and some monster price rises. C’monnnnn the Ferrari.
VERDICT: HOLD. Owners will be rewarded this week!
Stefano Utoikamanu FRF (Wests Tigers) $234,800 – 64 points
Here. We. Go. That’s what I’ve been talking about! The big man has attacking chops that he hasn’t shown just yet, and those that held with patience are going to be rewarded. 64 points including a monstrous effort for his try came in just 31 minutes at a crazy 2.1PPM! The tackle busts are starting to arise, and all of his runs are hitting the 8m mark or thereabouts, the next penny to drop is the offloading. Sitting with a -22 BE having already made $48,000 this past week, owners are in for some beautiful price rises.
VERDICT: HOLD. Hold tight, there’s more to come.
Spencer Leniu FRF (Panthers) $247,400 – 33 points
Leniu came from the field through injury just when he had things rolling on against the Storm, if you didn’t see it it looked like his leg literally snapped in half being bent over backwards, we can be seriously thankful he’s not facing a big chunk of time on the sidelines. 33 points in 26 minutes for that sexy as always 1.3PPM all in base stats, fingers crossed we get to see 40+minutes injury free and not in the pouring rain at some stage!
VERDICT: HOLD. Too late to jump on, but Leniu is a hold for mine through coverage of the first bye round.
Bailey Simonsson CTW | FLB (Raiders) $225,700 – 32 points
It seems as though the Raiders are going to Rapana’s edge exclusively on last-tackle set plays, and Simonsson is forced inside looking for the pill from dummy half to get near it. Hopefully a matchup with the Titans left edge this weekend will prove more fruitful, as they have been conceding plenty of points. Needs a big score this week or he may be on the chopping block with Tualagi on the horizon.
VERDICT: HOLD.
Sean O’Sullivan HFB (Warriors) $231,200 – 70 points
Now that is a way to start, youngster! O’Sullivan showed on debut for the Warriors what many knew he was capable of and expected from him in the no. 7 jersey at the Roosters a few years back. Composure with ball in hand at the line, a hand in three tries along with solid base stats for a half and a nice kicking game. The shame about this scenario is that Sam Walker is on the scene at exactly the same time so owners may overlook O’Sullivan. Let’s watch another week, if he pumps out a 100+ against his former club things could get VERY interesting.
VERDICT: WATCHLIST.
Matt Moylan FLB | 5/8 (Sharks) $279,300 – 52 points
A solid game from Moylan, and no real surprises given what we all know he’s capable of. The huge success here is getting through three rounds looking fully healthy, and now he gets a matchup against the Cowboys who are conceding truckloads of KFC SuperCoach points to attacking players. Fingers crossed for a big attacking haul this week, and I think playing him in your 17 makes sense.
VERDICT: HOLD. Likely for two more weeks.
Tyrell Fuimaono 2RF (Dragons) $287,500 – 34 points
Uh oh. 34 points in 53 minutes, on the back of 39 points in 47 minutes the week prior. Things are not going to plan, and I must say we had to see this coming from Fuimaono who has a career PPM around the 0.6 mark. It’s getting to the point where Fui will have made all the money he is going to make next round, and owners need to start planning a way to ship him out!
VERDICT: HOLD. Can you get Fuimaono to a CTW cheapie via duals?
Murray Tualagi CTW (Cowboys) $237,400 – 71 points
One for the watchlist here, Tualagi was amazing on season debut for the Cowboys with 71 points including a try, but it was the tackle busting, offloading and impact he had to the naked eye with ball in hand that the Cowboys have been seriously lacking. Kyle Feldt is suspended until round 5, then coach Payten will have a decision to make. If the start is anything to go by, Tualagi should hold his spot.
VERDICT: WATCHLIST.
James Roberts CTW (Wests Tigers) $277,700 – 28 points
Roberts is a week behind the rest in terms of price changes given the week off with the shoulder, but it did give us the chance to watch his involvement one more time before making a decision on where he sits. He’s undoubtedly underachieved thus far, but we know he’s capable of better. Over the next nine rounds comprising the first ‘big bye round’ the Tigers play games against the Cowboys, Sea Eagles, the Dragons twice, Titans and Warriors. So, it would be easy to jump ship straight away on the surface with two low scores, I’m backing in the pedigree and draw to become more fruitful as it goes.
VERDICT: HOLD. Until the bye in my opinion.
David Fusitua CTW (Warriors) $251,800 – 34 points
Aren’t cheapies supposed to MAKE money? Jokes aside, the Fus just hasn’t had things fall his way, and when he’s had opportunities he’s just not been as clinical as he normally is. Many are jumping ship this week, particularly with a matchup against the Roosters. But, I’m a believer that sideways trades aren’t a good idea when there’s scoring upside there. If you can cast your eyes forward a week, the Fus gets the Sea Eagles and Dragons the next two matches. SURELY the tries are coming?
VERDICT: HOLD.
Jason Saab CTW (Sea Eagles) $233,200 – 20 points
Ok, here’s one where I would happily advocate a sell. Saab has been a huge let-down on his talent, but quite simply without Tom Trbojevic in the side and the Sea Eagles struggling offensively Saab just hasn’t looked like scoring. He’s had a couple of flashes of brilliance breaking the line from kicks but I just can’t see the avenue for huge price rises like with the Roberts, Fusitua, Staines’ of the world.
VERDICT: SELL.
BON VOYAGE
Jordan Riki 2RF (Broncos) $334,500 – 54 points
Riki has been fantastic for the Broncos, not just on the field but his leadership in the media and wanting to ‘turn the club around’ has been a breath of fresh air. Onto the important stuff, though, KFC SuperCoach points have been flowing in with another 54 coming in the 80 minutes against the Bulldogs. Sitting with a BE of -18 with three tough matchups against the Storm, Rabbitohs and Panthers up next Riki should top out in price around $450k for a sell in round eight. Or, hold through the handy coverage of the first bye round (YOU SHOULD BE LOOKING AT BYES NOW) even if he does plateau around the $400k mark. Either way, Riki has been a fantastic cheapie!
VERDICT: BUY/HOLD. Will be a perfect sell to a gun in round 14 in my plans.
Tex Hoy 5/8 | FLB (Knights) $320,000 – 103 points
What a result for Hoy owners, not only the 103 points in what was a remarkable performance, but the $80,000 cash injection with now a -38 BE heading into matchups against the Dragons, Titans and Sharks. Ponga may well return for the last of those three games but Hoy may well be $450k by then!
VERDICT: HOLD. Plan for a sell to Cody Walker/Cameron Munster in three weeks. What a dreamboat.
Jacob Liddle HOK (Wests Tigers) $312,600 – 39 points
Here is the game without the try and line break, and despite playing more game time than expected (61 minutes) once Moses Mbye hit the bench, 35-45 points looks to be the floor. The lack of involvement in the attacking side of things in a win is of most concern but owners will take the initial $65,400 and 4 BE and sit tight. KFC SuperCoach Plus predicts Liddle will get close to $400k in the coming weeks, but if the scores of 39 points become the norm it may halt quicker than that. I’m not opposed to jumping ship early to Josh Schuster this week (via Connor Watson).
VERDICT: HOLD. Either sell this week to Schuster, or plan for a sell in three weeks at peak price. He’s done a great job for us, albeit short term.
WATCHLIST:
Joseph Suaalii CTW | FLB (Roosters) $173,700
Shawn Blore 2RF (Tigers) $210,500
Ofahiki Ogden FRF (Bulldogs) $243,200
John Asiata FRF | 2RF (Broncos) $252.100
Sebastian Kris CTW (Raiders) $218,600
Zach Saddler 2RF | FRF (Sea Eagles) $173,700
Jake Simpkin HOK (Wests Tigers) $173,700
Connor Tracey HOK | 5/8 (Sharks) $253,600
Christian Tuipulotu CTW (Sea Eagles) $237,400
Dean Ieremia CTW | FLB (Storm) $173,700
Teig Wilton 2RF (Sharks) $250,300
Ben Trbojevic CTW | 2RF (Sea Eagles) $173,700
Greg Marzhew (formerly Leleisiuao) CTW (Titans) $173,700
Joe Stimson 2RF (Bulldogs) $228,900
Jock Madden HFB (Wests Tigers) $173,700
Jayden Sullivan HFB (Dragons) $206,900
Josh Curran 2RF (Warriors) $203,100
Haze Dunster CTW (Eels) $173,700
Ben Condon 2RF (Cowboys) $186,800
Max Feagai CTW (Dragons) $203,100
Mat Feagai CTW (Dragons) $173,700
Brayden Wiliame CTW (Dragons) $203,100
Matt Timoko CTW (Raiders) $203,100
Semi Valemei CTW (Raiders) $294,900
Paul Turner HFB (Warriors) $212,600
Tom Ale FRF (Warriors) $203,100
Isaac Lumelume CTW (Storm) $285,800
Franklin Pele FRF (Sharks) $173,700
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